Glasbrook Bros v Glamorgan County Council [1925] AC 270 House of Lords

The defendant owners of a colliery asked the police to provide protection during a miner's strike. The police provided the protection as requested and provided the man power as directed by the defendants although they disputed the level of protection required to keep the peace. At the end of the strike the police submitted an invoice to cover the extra costs of providing the protection. The defendants refused to pay arguing that the police were under an existing public duty to provide protection and keep the peace.

Held 3:2 decision:

In providing additional officers to that required, the police had gone beyond their existing duty. They were therefore entitled to payment.